The Northern California Art Therapy Association (NorCATA) is a California Art Therapy organization dedicated to representing Art Therapists from an educational, professional development, training, and political action standpoint. In addition, NorCATA will pursue the highest professional and ethical standards to protect the public that it serves.
Art Therapy offers an opportunity to explore personal problems and potentials through verbal and non-verbal expression and to develop physical, emotional and/or learning skills through therapeutic art experiences. Although visual forms of expression have been basic to societies throughout recorded history, Art Therapy emerged as a profession in the 1930's.
The use of art as therapy is the recognition of art forms, content, processes and associations as reflections of an individual's personality, interests, fears and developmental abilities. Art Therapy implies that the creative process can be a means of fostering self-awareness and personal growth, as well as reconciling emotional conflicts. It can be used as treatment as well as an evaluation of groups and individuals of any age.
Copyright 2009 NorCATA: Northern California Art Therapy Association. All Rights Reserved.
There is a growing interest in utilizing visual art in therapy and we would like to address the issue of adequate and specific training in the realm of symbolic expression. This letter is in the service of assisting educational facilities and other agencies with information regarding the field of Art Therapy. Art Therapy is predicated on the belief that as a creative and therapeutic discipline, it is unique and demands rigorous academic and practical training.
Through the observation and analysis of behavior, art products and client communications, the Art Therapist formulates diagnostic assessments and treatment plans as an inclusive and unique service. Art Therapists integrate training and experience in art and therapy with theories of human behavior, a knowledge of visual symbol production, an understanding of normal and abnormal behavior and development and training in interventions and methods, applying a holistic approach to treatment.
In order to become an "ATR" (Registered Art Therapist), Art Therapy students must complete a master's degree or a post masters certificate level training program. Competency begins after graduation when interns are required to acquire at least 1,000 hours of direct client contact using Art Therapy. These hours must be supervised by a credential therapist with a minimum of 500 hours supervised by an ATR. Art Therapists can then apply for the national board certification examination. The successful examinee may then use the credential designation of ATR-BC.
In order to sufficiently provide both the theoretical foundation and the practical application of Art Therapy, qualified instructors must meet the field's professional and educational requirements.
We represent the Northern California Art Therapy Association (NorCATA). NorCATA is an official affiliate and local chapter of the National organization, the American Art Therapy Association (AATA). AATA is an organization of professionals dedicated to the belief that the creative process of making art is inherently healing and life enhancing.
As representatives of the local chapter of AATA, we welcome the opportunity to assist you in obtaining qualified, experienced Art Therapy instructors. Our referrals will provide you with Art Therapists who maintain the highest level of professional and ethical standards.
The Northern California Art Therapy Association (NorCATA) is an affiliate chapter of the American Art Therapy Association (AATA). It is a non-profit organization that:
- Promotes the therapeutic use of art throughout Northern California
- Promotes professional development through lectures, workshops, and conferences
- Promotes public awareness of Art Therapy through instructional presentations to community agencies
- Fosters networking and the development of support groups for Art Therapists through regional meetings
- Publishes a quarterly newsletter
Summer Eco Art Workshop with
Linda Chapman
Saturday, August 28th, 2010
10:30AM to 2:30PM
Art Therapy Institute of the Redwoods
MENDOCINO COUNTY
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The American Art Therapy Association Conference is coming up fast! Have you registered and made your plans for lodging? Contact us with your questions or visit http://www.aataconference.org/
A C H A P T E R O F T H E A M E R I C A N A R T T H E R A P Y A S S O C I A T I O N
Register now!
American Art Therapy Association
Annual Conference
About NorCATA
Our Mission
Ethics
Important Notice:
Attention NorCATA Program Attendees 2001-2010
Please click here to download an important message from the Director of Programs.
If you are unable to read this document please contact programs@norcata.org for assistance.
Spring 2010 Ethics Workshop:
Did you participate in NorCATA's second annual Ethics Workshop with Dr Carolan this Spring?
Please tell us about your experience.
You may also download your ceu certificate!
